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Northern Ireland eviction protections extended until end of September

The Northern Ireland Executive has announced it is extending the legislation put in place to protect private renters from eviction until 30 September.

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Communities minister Deirdre Hargey (picture: Northern Ireland Executive)
Communities minister Deirdre Hargey (picture: Northern Ireland Executive)
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The Northern Ireland Executive has announced it is extending the legislation put in place to protect private renters from eviction until 30 September #UKhousing

Communities minister Deirdre Hargey announced an extension to the Private Tenancies (Coronavirus Modifications) Act, which requires landlords to give tenants 12 weeks’ notice before seeking a court order.

Mr Hargey said: “I am committed to protecting people from eviction during this difficult time. My focus in all I do is to support those in most need. I introduced this legislation to do just that and to support the wider public health effort.

“This pandemic has been an evolving situation and the legislation was drafted to enable an extension if required. minister [Carál] Ní Chuilín moved in August 2020 to extend this protection.

“Given the current public health situation, I consider that it’s important that we continue to give private renters some assurance at this time. The legislation will therefore now be extended until 30 September 2021.


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“I would also stress again the importance of tenants and landlords working together at this time. It is a two-way process. If, as a tenant, you are struggling making payments, the best option is to be upfront and discuss it with your landlord. Landlords are also encouraged not to commence or continue possession proceedings during this challenging time without a very good reason to do so.

“Both are also reminded that my department funds Housing Rights to provide specialist help and advice to both tenants and landlords. They can assist to help resolve disputes and save matters going to court.”

It comes one week after the UK government announced it is extending the eviction protections introduced in England, which prevent bailiffs from enforcing the majority of court mandated evictions, until the end of March.

The UK government also currently requires landlords to give the majority of tenants six months’ notice before initiating court proceedings.

Similar rules are also currently in place until in Wales and Scotland.

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